Estimate the whole trip, not one perfect day
A two-week total should include airport time, intercity travel, translation, maps, ride-hailing, photo uploads, and background app activity. Add a buffer for days when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Maps, messages, email and disciplined Wi-Fi use.
Daily social, maps, AI tools and occasional video.
Streaming, video calls, hotspot or remote work.
Fixed data keeps the value visible
For standard use, a larger fixed allowance can deliver enough headroom without paying for unlimited data. Confirm whether the current package supports top-ups and how long it remains valid.
Unlimited reduces monitoring
Heavy users may prefer to stop thinking about the data meter. The tradeoff is price and a separate hotspot allowance, so separate “phone use” from “laptop use” before choosing.
Questions to settle before you buy
Is 10 GB enough for two weeks in China?
It can be enough for maps, messaging, moderate social use, and some AI tools. Streaming, video calls, cloud backup, and hotspot use can push the trip above 10 GB.
Should I buy exactly 14 days of validity?
Leave room for arrival and departure timing. A package should cover the entire period in which you may need mobile data.
What happens if fixed data runs out?
Top-up availability varies by provider and package. Confirm it before purchasing rather than assuming every eSIM can be recharged.